HOT TUB FAQ
Energy Consumption:
1. Can I run my spa on a 110V current or do I need a 220V? Some HotSpring Spas can run on a 110V. The main difference is the heater and jet pump do not run at the same time. All HotSpring Spas are fully foam filled from top to bottom so they retain heat very well.
2. How much will my spa cost to operate? HotSpring Spas operating cost range from $7-$15 a month. Most other spas in the industry easily exceed a dollar a day.
3. Is it true that a spa wired for a 220V is more energy efficient than a 110V? You buy energy by the KW (kilowatt) which heats water at a specific rate regardless of 110V or 220V. A 220V system will heat faster. However, our tests show a difference of less than 5 cents a month.
Insulation:
1. What is the difference between fully insulated and fully foam filled spas? A spa could have as little as 1/6 inch of insulation on the entire shell and be fully insulated. A fully foam filled spa is filled from the outside skin to the inside shell with foam insulation.
Jets & Horsepower Ratings:
1. I hear a lot about horsepower ratings of the pumps. How important is that? Many companies brag of their high horsepower rated pumps. Performance and jet design is the most important. Take it for a test soak and feel the spa!
2. Should I be concerned with the number of jets found in a spa? The number of jets in a spa is NOT nearly as important as the variety of the jets found in the spa. That coupled with the placement of those jets provides maximum benefit.
3. How are pumps rated – horsepower? Many companies rate their pumps using “Breakdown Torque” which is the highest number. You also have constant and actual size. Horsepower is just a number. Performance is what you want!
HERE ARE SOME MORE FAQS!
The lights on my Hot Spring spa are blinking. What should I do?
Consult the troubleshooting guide in the back of your Hot Spring spa owner’s manual. In it you will find step-by-step instructions that help owners check for common issues. This troubleshooting process does not require any technical ability to perform.
I can't find the information I want in the owner's manual. Where else can I look?
We should be available to assist – please give us a call!
Where can I get a replacement owner's manual for my spa?
You can download the owner’s manual for your spa in the following link.
I want to use a bromine floater in my spa; why do you specifically recommend against the use of a floater?
Floaters dispense chemicals into the spa water 24/7, whether they’re needed or not. When the spa is closed and the jets off, the floater will stay in one location in the spa, spilling chemicals onto the horizontal surfaces immediately below it. Because the tablet does not dissolve evenly, those bits will etch and pit the plastic shell surface, leaving a rough surface that will not be comfortable to sit on and can damage swimsuits. These rough patches cannot be sanded or removed from the shell. View Hot Spring water care products
I want to use aromatherapy oils in my spa. Will using these oils void my warranty?
Hot Spring does not recommend using any type of oils or bath salts in your spa because they tend to gum up the filters and damage the electrical components in the spa. Using these products does not void the spa’s warranty, but any service needed to repair the spa because of damage caused by the use of non-approved chemicals is not covered by the warranty. Those can be expensive repairs, so we recommend checking with us before you use any new chemical or oil in your spa.
I am considering buying a spa and don't understand the difference between wiring it to be 110v or 230v. How do I decide?
The first thing is to determine what spa sizes you are considering. Some spas do not offer the option of 110v service. It also depends on how you plan to use the spa. Basically, having a spa hooked up for 230v service means that the jets and the heater can operate at the same time.
With a 110v unit, the heater will not come back on until you turn off the jets. If your new spa is going to be “party central” with several people in and out of the spa over a few hours, you might be happier with a 230v hookup. If your spa is going to be a quiet refuge for one or two people who enjoy a hot water soak with no jets, then a 110v unit might be best. Also, you need to consider whether you are installing your spa indoors or outdoors and whether you plan to use it year-round. Since many different factors go into this decision, give your dealer or Hot Spring Consumer Service team a call before you buy. We’ll be glad to provide the information you need to make the best decision for your spa enjoyment.
I bought a used spa. Do I need to use the authorized Hot Spring dealer for service?
Developing a working relationship with your locally authorized dealer is a great way for you to protect your investment in a used spa. Your authorized Hot Spring dealer will have the factory-recommended components and water care chemicals that will extend the life of your spa. They also have the latest information from the factory regarding any component upgrades needed for older spas.
I want a Hot Spring spa. Why do I have to buy it from the closest authorized dealer?
Authorized Hot Spring dealers are required by contract to deliver and provide warranted service for all new spa sales from their store. This ensures that the spa will not be damaged in transport between the dealership and your home. This also means the dealer will have the technical staff to service your spa if/when needed. If you were to buy a Hot Spring spa farther from the delivery destination, the selling dealer may charge you a trip fee for their technician to travel to your home. What you saved in the initial purchase price may not compare to what you might have to pay the dealer for their travel. Dealer travel charges, is issued, are not covered by your spa’s warranty.
We want to buy a spa for the whole family to use. Is it okay for our toddler to be in hot water?
This question is best asked of your child’s pediatrician or other medical professional. Small children are sometimes less tolerate of exposure to hot water, so ask your doctor before allowing young children to use a spa.
We want to buy a spa but our local city code enforcer says we need to build a barrier gate, fence or other structure. Is this true?
Hot Spring spas carry several different certifications that ensure the spa is safe to use. Some code enforcement personnel mistakenly believe that public pools and private residential spas require the same code compliance and barrier requirements. If you have questions about barrier requirements in your community or region, contact your authorized dealer to obtain the information you need. You may also call the Hot Spring Customer Service team to get help you find this information.
My spa is 20 years old. Can I still get parts for it?
Yes. We can order parts directly from Watkins, the manufacturer of Hot Spring Spas. If they do not carry the original component, a replacement component of equal or better quality will be provided. We can also provide a replacement cover for your spa that fits the corners and cover locks.
Can I buy a spa or parts directly from Hot Spring?
Only authorized dealers may sell Hot Spring spas directly to consumers. However, Hot Spring provides warranty coverage for your spa purchase and offers the strongest warranty in the industry. We also offer a warranty on parts purchased and installed by authorized dealers.